Missile Defense Laser Passes Flight Test

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency on Friday successfully tested the in-flight tracking and fire control abilities of a missile defense laser, the agency reported (see GSN, May 18).

The aircraft-mounted laser is designed to destroy ballistic missiles with a concentrated beam of energy.  Friday’s test marked the first airborne use of the weapon, demonstrating the system’s ability to “paint” a missile with a controlled beam for tracking, targeting and destruction of the weapon, said the release.

Flight testing of the Airborne Laser is scheduled to continue, leading up to the planned system installation at Edwards Air Force Base later this year (U.S. Missile Defense Agency release, July 13).

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